The unincredible "lego" bass.

Grrrr. I've had it with this bass (Ibanez BTB405tk), literally falling apart as of late. I loved it for it's tone, it's thick neck, and it's overall look, but after battling with glitchy electronics, projectile like volume knobs (popping off), and such....i'm ready to get rid of it for good. The problems could be fixed, and actually probably are unique to my bass, but being that I haven't had this bass long, I just don't have any degree of worth for it anymore. Not to mention it's my only bass giving me problems. I'm not looking to buy another Ibanez anytime soon, or maybe ever again......

Anyway, I'm hoping to get some advice on a worthwhile trade-in. I'm looking for something with a similiar neck and string spacing, but that's not too important, so long as it's not a Soundgear. I must mention that I'm not looking to trade in for another 5, but rather a 4 (so the thick neck in ratio to a 4), and the price can be either a bit lower or higher, so long as the bass is quality constructed. Active electronics are welcomed, as are pups, and a good warm tone with clear highs and atleast some growl. Basically I just need to be pointed at some 4s in the BTBs range that you consider better basses.

I'm looking for something with a good tone most importantly, for general rock, punk, metal, and some jazz if possible. Looks aren't as important. Fender maybe?

have you looked into a Music Man yet? i was'nt a fan of theirs till one of my friends bought one and had me set it up for him and i actually got a good chance to play it for a while nice and loud w/out a salesman breathing down my neck trying to convince me to buy one.
i can honestly say its a well made bass that sounds fantastic,though i am no fan of the 1 M.M style p-ups but this bass has a great sound and i give it 2 thumbs up

The last Ibanez bass I owned had crap electronics too. I traded it for a Music Man. I've never looked back. The MusicMan StingRay has a neck you might like. The sound is well MM and the workmanship is first class.

if you get a chance, you may also enjoy a warwick rockbass. interesting basses -- part warwick and part something else entirely -- and they're fairly inexpensive. i played one when i went into a music store looking for a BTB. i preferred the rockbass.